Synthesis of submicron lead oxide particles from the simulated spent lead paste for battery anodes

A rapid and low-cost hydrometallurgical process was developed to synthesize submicron lead oxide (PbO) particles in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Newly regenerated lead oxide particles with submicron sizes were successfully obtained via the thermal decomposition of lead acetate. The final as-prepared product was identified as orthorhombic β-PbO, with an average size of about 200 nm. Heat-treating, at 550 °C for 3 h with the PVP/Pb(CH3COO)2precursor at a molar ratio of 2.0, was identified as the critical procedure for forming pure submicron β-PbO. The PVP dosage significantly affects the interaction between Pb2+and the PVP molecule, revealed in the FT-IR spectroscopy results. The obtained submicron β-PbO particles were applied in a lab-scale lead-acid battery and showed an enhanced electrochemical property of 159 mA h/g at a current density of 50 mA/g. This study demonstrates an alternative method of regenerating ultrafine PbO particles with a high electrochemical performance from spent lead paste, which can provide energy storage applications.